Glue roller assembly

ABSTRACT

A glue roller and reservoir apparatus for use in applying glue to the surface of a plurality of sequentially moving labels or tickets, said apparatus being inclusive of a vessel reservoir for liquid glue, a hollow rotatable glue applicator sleeve extending vertically upwardly out of said vessel for contact by the labels, a rod telescopically within said glue roller sleeve, said outer surface of said cylindrical roller having a plurality of spaced grooves therein, a bar mounted along side the sleeve having notches defining teeth complementary to said grooves and an arrangement for urgement of adhesive fluid in the vessel between the rod and the inner surface of the cylindrical glue roller whereby it moves upwardly, thence down the outer surface of the glue roller cylinder, the complementary notches and grooves serving to locate the downwardly moving adhesive in a plurality of spaced regions on the exterior surface of the cylinder glue roller.

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INVENTORS Bw.' Buneess JOHN H uzs www .Cess HY ROBERT QSNQDER WASHWGTON 5MM-VEN Avana EN GLuE ROLLER ASSEMBLY The present invention relates to an apparatus for applying labels to articles, e.g., products, controlled to move serially along a conveyor apparatus.

There are a large variety of labeling apparatus known in the art. Labellng apparatus The present apparatus are subject to malfunction and consequent downtime of' the product line features desirably a labeling apparatus in line therewith.

Many of the present-day labeling machines involve a moving magazine" containing the labels, requiring extensive to a label delivery and application position. Many of the present labeling apparatus are beset by the problem ofdeliverclogged during the labeling for any reasoni It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a label apparatus which overcomes all of the deficiencies of label machines known heretofore.

ln particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a labeling apparatus which is of relatively simple and economical construction and at the same time provides reliable trou ble-free single label delivery operation.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a label rectangular planar sidewall. desirable to have the label tically and laterally.

lt is still another object of the present invention to provide a label apparatus which can apply labels at an extremely rapid rate without any accompanying difficulty, either in terms of double labels or any difficulty of encountering a no label" situation. ln other words, the labeling apparatus of the present invention is extremely reliable, simple, economical and size of label and the type and size of package or article to which the label is to be applied.

It is also an object ofthe present invention to provide an apparatus which includes arrangements for avoiding premature gelation of adhesive.

Itis still another object of the present invention to provide a In such instance, it is usually centered on the sidewall, both verin conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings on which there is presented, for purposes of illustration only, a single embodiment of the present invention.

In the Drawings:

FIG. l is a three-quarter perspective view of the apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a three-quarter perspective view of one portion of the apparatus enlarged for purposes of showing in greater detail a particularly preferred feature of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial top plan view of the segment of the ap paratus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is likewise a view also FIGS. 2 and 3, but in perspective view formed from the reverse side of that shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. Sis a somewhat enlarged view of one portion of the apparatus as viewed in FIG. 4;

of the feature illustrated in FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of an important part of the apparatus of the invention shown with the component parts thereof spaced apart for purposes of providing a clearer illustration;

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the control system for the label apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged elevation view of one component of the apparatus for purposes of illustrating a preferred construction;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view generally similar to FIG. 6 of a glue roller but from a slightly different angle in order to better illustrate a variant embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. l0 is a perspective view ofa modified glue roller construction and| as well, several related subassem blies which cooperate therewith; the perspective being generally from the same angle as that of FIG. 6 and portions of the structure illus trated being broken away in order to show details of construction; and

FIG. ll is a partial side elevation view, slightly enlarged, of the modified glue roller and its engagement with the cooperating subassembly.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the complete labeling apparatus Il is shown in FIG. l. Reference numeral l2 identifies a horizontal baseplate supported on threaded legs I4, l5, I6 and I7. The legs are each threadingly engaged to the baseplate l2 and they in turn are mounted on a base support I8. Each leg includes an integral sprocket 20 which is synchronously connected to the other sprockets by endless chain 2l. A knurled adjustment wheel 22 is secured to the leg l5. Rotation thereof rotates the leg I5 and, as well. the

wardly or downwardly, depending on the rotation of the wheel 22. An array of labels 30 rests on the upper surface of the baseplate I2, stacked on edge in flush registering abutment, as shown. The labels rest in a reservoir area defined by a first upstanding wall member 32, a second upstanding wall member 34, a movable plate 36 in parallel relationship with the upstanding wall 32 and a linear bar 38 in spaced-parallel relationship with the wall 34. Wall 34 includes a foot portion 34d on the edge 34a for a purpose to be described hereinafter. The wall members 32 and 34 are secured to the baseplate, Wall 34 is perpendicularly disposed to the wall 32 with one edge 34a spaced from edge 32a of upstanding wall member 32 and generally in alignment therewith to define a gateway 50 therebetween. The labels 30 rest flushly in horizontal array movable to and fro towards the wall member 34, and its location can be set via the setscrew means 43a. Wall plate 36 is cut away at 36a to provide for movement by weight 36h. The arrangement just described urges the wall plate 36 toward wall 32 to hold the labels 30 firmly against wall 32.

combination filter and pressure reservoir cylinder 32e which in turn connects via line 32fwith valve 32g connected by line 32h with valve 321'. Valve 321' connects via line 32j with a suitable air supply. Valve 32g is an "on-off" air valve controlled by a solenoid 163 (see FIG. 7). Valve 321' is a manually set throttling valve for adjusting the amount of pressure in the line 32h extending through the pressure reservoir 32e in line 32d to the bore 32e. Connecting with the vertical bore 32C are a plurality of orifices 32k which extend normally therefrom to the facing edge 32a of the upstanding wall 32. A rod extends freely but snugly slidably down into the bore 32C. A connecting plate 41 connects the rod 40 with a tamper bar 42 which is in parallel-spaced relationship and depends coextensively with the rod 40. The tamper bar 42 slides in notch 32b and normally rests on the upper edges of labels 30, as shown in FIG` 2; the labels 30 being shown in dotted outline. In the position as shown, the upper four orifices 32k in edge 32a are covered whereby any air flowing through conduit 32d connects only through the four lower orifices 32e which are not covered by rod 40, for purposes as will be explained hereinafter. A slotted arm 42a (see FIGS. 3, 4 and 5) includes an offset ear portion 42h containing an elongated hole 42C. A stud 42e extends normally from the tamper bar 42 through the enlarged hole 42e, terminating in an enlarged head 42f, whereby the tamper bar 42 is free to move vertically within the limits provided by the elongated hole 42e. The elongated slotted arm 42a includes the linear slot 42g providing, via the fastening nut 42h, vertical positioning of the tamper bar 42 at any desired setting within the limits of the slot 42g. The nut 42h threadingly engages a threaded hole in wall 32.

The walls 32 and 34 together with the movable plate 36 and movable bar 38 provide a reservoir for the labels 30. As indicated, the spacing of perpendicular walls 32 and 34 leaves the gateway 50 between the edge 32a or wall 32 and edge 34a of wall 34. Just outside the reservoir and partly in the gateway 50 is a vertical, rotatable transfer roller 60 bearing a rubber covering 61 for a portion of its height. The roller 60 lies midway in the gate 50 and is rotatably connected with the baseplate l2 and includes a drive shaft 62 extending vertically through baseplate l2 to connect with sprocket 63 which is in turn connected by chain 64 with sprocket 65 mounted on shaft 66 extending upwardly from electric motor 67 which, when energized, causes (via the shaft 66, chain 64, sprocket 63 and shaft 62) the transfer roller 60 to rotate. The motor 67 is mounted on the base support 18 and partially supported by vertical wall 67a.

Reference numeral 100 identifies an arcuate guide shoe member having an enlarged portion through which extends a vertical mounting shaft 101 secured at one extremity of the baseplate I2 and the upper extremity in the overhead 73. A spring |02 encircling shaft 101 extends from the overhead down to the shoe with the ends secure, thereby holding the guide shoe normally in the position shown in solid outline in FIG. 3. The guide shoe is controlled to move reciprocatingly from that position to a position (shown in dotted outline) just contacting the rubber covered transfer roller 60 as urged by arm 103 controlled by solenoid 168 (FIG. 7). The solenoid connects to arm 103 and is located in the box 105 shown in dotted outline on baseplate l2 abutting wall 34. A U-shaped spring 104 has one leg riveted to the guide shoe and the other leg is free for contact by the solenoid arm 103. The U-shaped spring cushions the reciprocating movement of the arm 103. Thus, movement of the solenoid arm 103 first compresses the U-shaped spring member 104 and then urges the guide shoe towards the transfer roller and then back to the retracted position shown in dotted outline in FIG. 3. ln a preferred form of construction, the guide shoe 100 has formed on its concave surface a plurality of spaced, horizontal scooplike grooves 100:1 which define slight corrugations in the tapered edge` as shown in FIG. 8. Also, the rubber covering 61 on the transfer roller preferably has a corrugated surface as defined by a plurality of spaced grooves which are offset with respect to the grooves 100a in the surface of the guide shoe. These justdescribed features cooperate to lend stiffness to the label as it passes therebetween in a manner to be described.

A vertically spaced array of label doctor members 110 are mounted on a shaft 111 in spaced relationship with the glue roller 70. The doctor blades are of curved contour as at 112. One edge extremity 113 of the doctor blades 110 rides against the rotating glue roller surface, preventing labels from wrapping thereabout, and the median portion is contoured as indicated at 112 to direct the label curvilinearly in the manner shown. A resiliently covered press roller 120 is rotatingly carried on a shaft 121, in turn mounted on arm 122 which pivots about stud 123. The arm 122 includes, at the end opposite roller 120a, upstanding stud 124 connected via spring 125 to a stud 126 upstanding from the baseplate l2 urging, by the foregoing construction, the resilient roller 120 against the surface S of the article A, compressing a single label L thereagainst in the manner to be more particularly described hereinafter.

A centering switch 155 is mounted along one marginal edge of the baseplate l2 which is proximate the glue roller 70. A conveyor system S (not a part of the present invention) delivers a plurality of articles A tangentially past the apparatus for purposes of having labels applied thereto. As the articles proceed from left to right as viewed in FIG. 1, they actuate the switch 155. This switch can be located and is adjustable just along the margin of the apparatus 11 and, in fact, can be situated further upstream or downstream as the labeling situation requires, as described in connection with FIG. 7.

A glue roller 70 is situated in upstanding spaced-parallel relationship with the transfer roller 60 on the line extending away from the gateway 50. It is rotatingly mounted on the baseplate 12 and is driven in the same direction of rotation as transfer roller 60 through an overhead drive arrangement consisting of sprocket 68 mounted on shaft 62, sprocket 71 mounted on shaft 72 and chain 69. The glue roller is coaxially mounted on shaft 72.

The shaft 72 driven by the sprocket 7l extends down through the overhead arrangement 73 and connects via oppositely projecting lingers 74 (see FIG. 6) with slots '75 formed in the upper cap 76 of the glue roller cylinder 70. This arrangement also provides a quick disconnect of the glue roller from the drive shaft 72 for a reason to be explained hereinafter. Beneath the cap 76, the glue roller 70 is essentially a hollow sleeve which telescopically receives a rod 80 having a continuous helical land or gear portion 81 formed on the exterior thereof and terminating at the upper end in a head 82 which is below the cap 76, leaving a space 82a. The cylindrical sleeve member (glue roller) has a plurality of apertures 77 formed in the space 82a above said head portion 82. The outer sleeve 70 also includes apertures 79 in its lower extremity proximate the bottom wall d. A cylindrical element 78 surrounds the upper portion of the cylinder 70 defining a depending skirt which extends downwardly below the apertures 77. The rod 80 is mounted stationary on bottom wall 90d of vessel 90 composed additionally of spaced-parallel sidewalls 90b and spaced end walls 90C. The rod 80, as indicated, is secured upstandingly from the bottom wall 90a, and particularly an end segment thereof 90d which is somewhat lower than the remainder 90a. Portions of the sidewalls have been broken away in order to show the interior construction and securement of the rod 80 to the bottom wall segment 90d. The vessel 90 constitutes a reservoir for a glue or adhesive. A resistance element 91 projects through end wall 90C, terminating in terminals 92 adapted to be connected to a source ofcurrent. A similar resistance element 91a extends upwardly through fitting 91h into the interior of rod 80 and additionally terminates in terminals 92a suited for connection with a source of electricity. The resistance elements permit the maintenance of a uniform elevated temperature of the so-called "hot melt" adhesion in the vessel 90 and proximate the glue roller 70. Resistance element 91 is thermostatically controlled (not shown) while resistance element 91a is connected for constant operation via an on-off switch whereby, for cold setting adhesives, the element may be disconnected. A bar 93 is secured to the bottom wall, partially supported by the wall 93a marking the margin between the main bottom wall level 90a and the lower bottom wall level 90b. Secured as at 94 to the bar 93 is a thin doctor blade 92 having a serrated edge as at 9S which scrapes against the cylinder (glue roller) 70. The doctor blade can be formed of a variety of materials, preferably an abrasion resistant plastic. The end wall 90C includes a reinforced ear portion 90h into which is set a threaded stud 90|' adapted to extend up through aperture 90j in wall l2 for engagement with wing nut 90k. The baseplate l2 is cutaway as at 12b, permitting the vessel 90, the rod 8l and glue roller assembly 70 to be moved upwardly in the direction indicated by the dotted lines; the bar 93 being then partially supported against lateral movement by the support member 94a having the flange portion 95a secured to the bottom wall l2. The just-described feature constitutes a very desirable feature of the present invention in that the glue roller and the glue reservoir can be dropped from the apparatus generally by simply disengaging the wing nut 90k. This feature is desirable when it becomes necessary to have a changeover in adhesive composition as, for example, changing from a cold setting adhesive to a hot melt" adhesive.

The operation of the glue roller 70 and glue vessel reservoir 90 is as follows. The glue is contained in the vessel 90. The outer sleeve 70 and the interior rod 81 define an annular passageway 84 interrupted by the helical land portion 8l of the rod 80. Adhesive in the vessel 90 passes through the apertures 79 spaced about the lower extremity of the sleeve entering the vertically extending annular passageway 84 between the sleeve 70 and the rod 80. Rotation of shaft 72 translated by fingers 74 and slots 75 in the head portion 76 rotates the sleeve 7l) in the direction indicated by the arrows, causing, as a consequence, contact of the moving interior surface ofthe sleeve 79 with the adhesive in the lower region of the passageway, causing, in turn, the adhesive to move upwardly in passageway 84 by reason of the continuous helical land proceeding in spiral fashion upwardly in counterclockwise directionA The rotation of the sleeve being counterclockwise, the adhesive or glue proceeds upwardly through the annular passageway to the space 82a above the head portion 82 ofthe rod from which it flows through the apertures 77 to the outer surface of the sleeve 70, draining downwardly between the space 78a between the skirt 78, thence over the shoulder 78h and thence to the outer surface from which it falls by gravity downwardly back into the vessel 90A The skirt portion 78 prevents splattering of the glue as might otherwise occur through the centrifugal force of the rotation of the glue roller sleeve 70, spaced bands 99 ofadhesive.

ln FIG. 7, there is disclosed a circuit diagram suitable for controlling the operation of the apparatus. lt includes lines L-l and L-Z and a principal on-off" switch 150 which, as shown, is in the off" position but, by actuation to the "on" position, connects terminals 151 and 152, connecting lines L-l and L-2 via lines 153 and 154. impressing a current flow in motor 67 which causes continuous rotation of the transfer roller 60 and, through the overhear 73, the glue roller 70 as described hereinbefore. At the same time, current flows in line 154 leading to terminal [55a of centering switch 155. When this normally open switch is closed by reason of contact with a package moving along the conveyor system, the line current ows to terminal 155C and line 156 and energizes timer coil 160. The normally closed points 161 ofthe timer connects the current in line 156 with line L-2 across solenoid 163, opening momentarily the normally closed air valve 32g in FIG. 2. This timer, of course, is adjustable as to the duration in which the of contact with centering switch ISS which disconnects terminal points l5Sa-l55c,

cutting off flow of current to the lines 156 and 166. deactivating solenoid 168 and the timer whereby the normally closed points 161 are closed and the normally open points 16S are opened. The circuit is thus ready for a repeat cycle as initiated by the next package closing contact with switch |55.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that with the labels positioned in the reservoir area, a package article A" proceeding down the conveyor system "S" will contact the deflection switch 155, closing same, causing in timed sequence (via timer 160) actuation of the solenoid 163, momentar-ily opening the air valve 32g, sending a pulse of air of preset pressure via throttling valve 32i through line 32f to the combination reservoir and filter 32e and thence through conduit 32d to the bore 32C from which the air pulse proceeds out the orifices 32k which are mined by the location of the tamper bar 42. The latter is set by the height of labels in the reservoir. At the same time, the pulse ofair exerts an upward force on the rod 40 which, due to the overhead connection plate 4l, causes a momentary upward movement of the tamper bar 42 followed by a falling back down upon the upper edges of the labels, maintaining the upper edges ofthe labels in registration. Limited upper movement ofthe rod 40 and tamper bar 42 is controlled by the stud 42e in the elongated hole 42C and the ear portion 42h of the slotted arm 42a (FIGS. 4 and S). The pulse of air through the orifices 32k across the surface of the endmost label L and through the restricted path defined by the position of the transfer roller 60 (see FIG. 3) causes a single label, and particularly the end segment proximate the wall 34, to move out of flush engagement with the remainder of the plurality of labels and towards and through the gate 50 in the direction of the transfer roller 60. Due to the control of the timer coil 160, there is effected, in timed relationship with the pulse of air, a movement of solenoid 168 which operates, through the arm 103 and the U-shaped spring |04, to move guide shoe 100 into Contact with the rubber covering 6l carried by rotating transfer roller, urging the end of the label thereagainst. The transfer roller, ofcourse, is continuously rotating as previously described whereby the physical contact urges the label, as par tially directed by the guide shoe towards the continuously rotating glue roller 70, into tangential contact therewith and beyond, assisted by the inherent stilness of the label. The label "doctor members and the curvilinear edges 112 prevent the label from being wrapped about the glue roller but rather deflect the label in the manner shown in FIG4 l towards the article which is moving simultaneously past in the direction indicated by the arrow [90. The label bears, by reason ofits contact with the glue roller, spaced lines or bands 99 of adhesive which cause the label to adhere to the article. The label is then pressed firmly against the article by the resilient or cushioned cover on roller which is urged against the article by the spring and pivoted arm construction as described previously. Movement of the article out of closing contact with switch terminates the cycle, leaving the components in their original position.

The next article proceeding along the conveyor system then recloses switch 155 which initiates the same sequence of operation including the pulse of air, removal ofa single label, the tamping down ofthe upper edges of the label, the timed sequential actuation of the solenoid moving the guide shoe; all of these cooperating to move the next label through the gateway 50, and urged by the transfer roller tangentially past the glue roller and onto the article.

lt will be noted that the cutaway notch 36h accommodates the tamper bar 42 when the supply of labels has been reduced suiciently that the reservoir plate 36 is moving into close proximity with the upstanding wall member 32.

The adhesive in the vessel 90 flows continuously and circuitously through the glue roller annular passageway 84 as urged by rotation of the cylinder about the helical land on the stationary upstanding rod 81, thereby preventing any premature setting up of the glue or adhesive as might otherwise occur during a temporary shutdown of the labeling line or the finishing line. Normally, in prior art labeling apparatus, a shutdown of any type would considerably interfere with the efficiency of the labeling operation since the glue or adhesive during such time would be in a static condition, leading to gelation at critical regions and/or components of the glue applicator. ln the apparatus of this invention, as indicated, the glue is moving continuously. Also, provisions are made for maintaining an even elevated temperature in the case of hot melt adhesives, avoiding chilling and gelation as frequently occurs in prior equipment due to the necessity for exterior hose conduits, etc.

lt will be appreciated that die deflection switch 155 may e located along the margin of' the apparatus in any preselected location, depending upon the linear dimension of the article to which the label is to be applied. As a matter of fact, the deflector switch may be adjustably mounted on a bar bearing a scale with predetermined settings, permitting location ofthe deflector switch at a given scale indicia corresponding to a package size and based also upon a consideration of the linear dimension of the label. With this arrangement, the apparatus can be set up to allow the label to be applied to the article in a predetermined centered relationship with respect to the margins or ends of the article. lnstead of the contact switch 155, of course, it is envisioned that for certain applications a photoelectric cell would be preferable.

Similarly, vertical centering of the label on the article is relatively simply accomplished by adjustment of the single adjustment wheel 22 which actuates all of the support legs in threaded engagement with the baseplate l2.

lt is an important feature of the present invention that either recharging of the label reservoir or changing to a different sized label can be accomplished very simply. The setscrew 43a controlling marginal bar member 38 and adjusting nut 42b (on the rear side of the tamper bar 42) controlling the tamper bar 42 are loosened, permitting the tamper bar 42 and rod 40 assembly to be elevated to a position corresponding to the height of the labels (or removed altogether) and the adjustable bar 38 to be moved away from wall member 34 to accommodate the new label of the given length. The bar is brought up firmly against the edges of the labels and the securement means 43 is tightened. At the same time, of course, the wall plate 36 is simply moved away from upstanding wall 32 a distance corresponding to the number of labels to be inserted into the reservoir. The notch 36a permits the wall plate 36 to move forwardly towards the wall 32 regardless of the position of the bar 38.

The simultaneous air movement of a single label and the air movement of the tamper bar 42 represents an important feature of the present invention.

A feature of construction which aids in insuring single label delivery is the provision for a foot portion 34d (FIGS. l, 2 and 3) on the wall 34. The foot portion serves as an edge abutment for the labels, whereby they will not escape between the wall proper 34 and the guide shoe.

The label apparatus of the present invention is quite small, adding to its desirability and utility. The apparatus as illustrated measures inches in length by 12% inches in width by I6 inches in height. It weighs 50-65 pounds. lt can, of course, be scaled to a larger size if desired. The apparatus of the size above-indicated can handle labels measuring from 4 to l3 inches in length and one-half to 3% inches in width (height as stacked in the reservoir).

The apparatus as described has been operated continuously for extended periods of time without encountering an instance of' either delivery of double labels" or no labels." The apparatus described is also capable of rapid operation. For example, label delivery of several hundred labels per minute has been achieved over extended periods of time with no difficulty. The rotational velocity of the transfer roller and glue roller can be adjusted by changing the pulley drive system or use of a rheostat governing motor speed. Further, the relative speed of rotation of the transfer roller and glue roller can be changed by selection of appropriate drive sprockets in the overhead 73.

Usually, we have found that the glue roller should be rotating slightly faster than the transfer roller. This assists in preventing buckling of the label as it moves across the surface of the glue roller. A ratio of 5/6 has been found very desirable. Thus, IO teeth on the glue roller drive sprocket and l2 teeth on the transfer roller drive sprocket represents a typical arrangement for achieving this ratio.

lt will be appreciated that the apparatus as described is suited for applying labels to articles, packages, etc., moving from left to right as illustrated in FlG. l and this is termed a right-hand" model. Obviously, le-hand" models can be constructed utilizing the same features but of essentially "reverse hand" construction to accommodate article flow from right to left. The apparatus of this invention can also be employed for applying labels on the top or upper surface of coritinuously moving articles or packages. For this purpose, the apparatus as viewed in FIG. l is simply arranged in disposition with the plate l2 vertical and with the rollers consequently horizontal instead of vertical. The glue delivery system to the glue roller is changed simply by providing for gravity delivery of the glue to the surface of the glue roller.

Although not shown, it should be appreciated that adjust ment of the timer can provide considerable variance in the timed sequence of the air pulse duration and, as well, the time interval between air pulse and movement of the arcuate guide shoe 100. The latter, however, remains reasonably constant due to the proximity of the label, the transfer roller, the orifices and the guide shoe.

A subsidiary feature of the present invention resides in the provision for the reservoir/filter member 32e in the air conduit. Principally, this chamber operates as a safety spring or cushion whereby the pulse of air impressed in the conduit by the sudden opening of the valve 32g (by actuation of switch and solenoid 163) is not as such directed across the end portions of the labels through orifices 32k. Rather. since air is compressible, the chamber 32e operates as a surge tank, providing a cushion or spring action whereby the pulse of air is moderated before projecting across the face of the endmost label, thereby giving a more even pressure or venturi effect resulting in more even reliable label removal.

lt, of course, will be appreciated that the glue roller 70 and stationary rod 80 may be modified to provide for the location of the helical land portion on the inside surface of the glue roller instead of on the rod` Also, various surface configurations ofthe rod and glue roller can be employed.

From all of the foregoing, it can be seen that an extremely efficient, compact and reliable, trouble-free labeling apparatus has been provided.

Recognizing that the label in its moving contact with the glue applicator roller and beyond to the package or article to be labeled can encounter difficulties, such as becoming misdirected, doubled up on a like label or hung up on the glue applicator roller, etc., several modifications in the nature of improvements of the apparatus as described hereinabove have been developed.

Bn'efly stated, one modification is concerned with an arrangement for directing and positively assisting in the movement of the label from the glue roller to the package or article to be labeled. The amount of space between the glue roller and the package or article to be labeled is suspected as contributing to the problem which occurs when a label becomes wrapped about the glue roller, in the nature of a hangup, instead of passing more or less tangentially past the roller to the package. ln addition, labels may occasionally become misdirected in the space referred to so that it does not meet the moving article or package at the correct angle, whereby it does not become properly registered with respect to the area of the surface of the package or article to bear the label.

Another modification involves the glue roller construction itself, while still another involves a subassembly designed, in combination with the modified glue roller construction, to meter the amount of glue carried by the roller and to control the disposition thereof on the surface of the glue roller, or doctor wires.

Still another modification is concerned with an arrangement for insuring against label hangup on the glue roller and also tending to preclude premature gelation or hardening of a hot glue or adhesive formulation on the glue roller.

ln the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 9, l and 11 illustrate the above modifications.

ln describing the structure modifications illustrated in FIG. 9, reference numerals in the 200 series will be utilized; the second and third integer being the same as in FIGS. 1-8 for the same part. For example, in FIG, 9, the glue roller is identified by the reference numeral 270; while in FIG. 6` the glue roller is identified by the reference numeral 70. Furthermore. reference numerals in the 300 series will identify com` ponents and features of construction which are not in common with the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 of the original application.

Referring now to FIG. 9, reference numeral 273 identifies the overhead arrangement from which the glue roller 270 depends rotatingly by reason of its being carried on glue roller shaft 272 which extends above the overhead 273 and carries at its upper end the sprocket 271 connecting by chain with sprocket 268. Reference numeral 301 identities the overall assembly constituting one embodiment of the present invention.

the two segments of shaft 317 being in axial alignment, the upper segment terminating below the segmented portion 319 and the lower segment extending to the base. The purpose of the above construction is to allow for disassembly. Each of the rollers (major roller 307 and minor roller 309) have machine formed on their outer surface projecting pulleys, of which there are four in number, serving as seats for four rubber O- rings 321.

In operation, the belt takeoff 331 drives the barrel head 327 secured to shaft 311, rotating roller 307. The O-rings 321 seated in the pulley seats, as shown, in turn rotate the roller 309 which is freely rotatable in base 323 and the offset gentially past the glue roller 270 in the direction indicated by the arrow 337, it is picked off by the finger 355, The ticket, being positively driven via the transfer roller 60 (see FIG. l) and guide shoe 100, moves past the glue roller into contact with one or more of the O-rings depending upon the height of the ticket or label. The movement of the O-rings assist the labels continued movement, and particularly the leading end of the tickets, in the path indicated by the arrow 337 and also the arrow 340. At the same time, the article or package to be labeled is moving down the conveyor 343 in the direction indicated by the arrow 345. The label, due to the operation of the assembly 301, is urged into contact with the surface to bear the label at a somewhat inclined angle thereto. The surface referred to is not shown but indicated schematically by the dotted lines identified by the reference numeral 347.

In the interest of clarity, the doctor blade arrangement 92, 93, 94 and 95 illustrated in FIG. 6 has been deleted from FIG. 9, albeit the spaced lines 299 ofadhesive are shown.

The label assist assembly 301 is conveniently secured to or removed from the overall glue roller assembly, requiring only taking out the Allen Head setscrews 303 and removal of the belt 331. The assembly provides a unique cooperation between the spring finger 355 and the spaced O-rings. The spring finger precludes wrap around or hang up" of the label since it rides flush against the surface of the glue roller. At the same time, once the ticket has been picked off, it moves only a short distance to contact the rotating O-rings which, by reason of their encirclement of the pulleys formed on spaced rollers 307 and 309, present vertically spaced and elongated lines of contact; the width or height of the label being being rubberlike, exert a frictional urgement of the label in the direction referred to. It will be appreciated that arrangements are made for appropriated disposition of the doctor blade 92 of FIG. 6 so that none of the spaced lines of adhesive impinge upon any one ofthe four spaced O-rings, as would otherwise lead to a disruption of the spaced deposits of adhesive on the rear side ofthe label.

reference numerals but in the 400 series. For example, the glue roller 470 in FIG. 10 corresponds to the glue roller 70 in FIG. l and, as well, the glue roller in FIG. 6. Parts ofthe apparatus and subassemblies shown in FIG, 10 which are different from those in the overall machine labeling apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1-8 will be identified by the reference numerals in the 500 series.

In FIG. 10, there is shown a modified glue roller 470, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, mounted suitably for rotation about its vertical axis. The details of the mounting of glue roller 470 is not illustrated in detail in FIG. 10 since the details are identical to those of glue roller 70 in FIG. 6. It can generally be seen that the glue roller 470 depends from the overhead 473 with the lower end extending down through the passageway 4l2a in wall 412 into the glue plurality of vertically spaced horizontal grooves 4700, as illustrated. The vertically spaced grooves run peripherally about the glue roller whereby the glue or adhesive emanating by gravity from between the sleeve 478 and roller 470 near the bottom of the sleever 478 passes tortuously down the grooved surface.

Adjacent the glue roller, there is mounted, on upper and lower pins 501 and 502, a support member 504 which has an apertured base 505 adapted to pivotably receive pin 502 upstanding from the bottom wall 490d. The upper end S07 of the support member 504 likewise is apertured to pivotably receive the pin 501 anchored in an upper support 508Y Along its length, the support member is composed principally of two normally disposed walls 510 and 511 connected by a thin plate 511a. The edge 512, of wall 510, facing the glue roller contains a series of notches 513 defining teeth l4 which tit the grooves 470a of the roller. The depth of the notches 513 are greater than the depth of the grooves 470a. The teeth 514 formed on edge 512 of wall 510 are urged into the grooves 4700 formed in the glue roller 470 by means of spring S; one end of which is secured to stud 522 projecting from support frame S23 and the other end being secured by the threaded nut arrangement as at 525 to a connecting plate arm 527 secured to the wall Sll via stud 529. By means of this connection, the entire support member 504 is urged to pivot about the pins 50l and 502 whereupon the teeth 514 are urged into the grooves 470e to slide in surface abutment with the bottom or "root" portion of the grooves 470e. The adhesive running by gravity down the exterior surface of the glue roller is thus confined to the outer land or tooth portion 470b defined between the grooves 470:1 and the thickness of the adhesive carried on the land portion 470!) is determined by the depth of the notches 513. In order to provide variability of the thickness of the adhesive or glue carried by the land portion, there is further provided a doctor blade 540 which is secured to the wall 5 l0 of the support 504. The blade is essentially an elongated, planar rectangle containing two horizontally elon gated slots S41 and 542. The blade 540 is secured via screws 543 to the inside of the indicated wall 510 in the manner illustrated. The horizontal elongated slot and screw arrangement permits the blade 540 to be adjusted laterally such that it doctors off an amount of adhesive carried on the projecting land portion 470i) defined by the grooves on the glue roller 470. Movement of the doctor blade member 540 all the way to the right would leave the full amount of adhesive to be carried as governed by the depth of the notches 513 as compared to the depth ofthe grooves 470a, This relationship is illustrated most clearly in FlG. ll where the glue carried on the land region 47011 is identified by the reference letter "A." In any event, the described technique of doctoring is desirable since the doctor blade does not positively contact the glue roller and is therefore very efficient and reliable. The glue roller and the edge 512 of wall 510 are desirably formed of brass since they are riding in surface-to-surface contact. With the doctoring ar rangement as described, the deposition ofa reliable amount of glue onto the ticket or label is assured together with troublefree operation due to the avoidance of actual contact between the doctor blade and the glue roller.

ln accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, there is featured, in the glue roller assembly as shown in FIG. l0, an upstanding support bar assembly S50 providing several additional advantages and improvements in operationA The bar 550 is elongated and is mounted on the surrounding support structure such that it is closely contiguous but not in contact with the glue roller. The bar 550 contains an elon gated bore extending downwardly from an upper offset portion 551; the bore being identified in dotted outline 552` The bore extends down into the lower region of the bar and into it is inserted an electrical resistance heating element S53 having exterior terminals for a connection to an appropriate source of electricity. Also mounted in the lower segment ofthe bar 550 are a pair of fingerlike spring elements 554 and 555. These linger elements are identical and are vertically spaced. One terminal end of each of the spring members projects into the vertical bar 550 into close proximity with the heater element 553. The springlike fingers then extend laterally outwardly, then at 90 towards the glue roller with the opposite terminus of each riding in spaced grooves of the glue roller. The proximity to the heater element causes the spring-finger members 554 and S55 to become heated. The terminal ends of these iingers riding in the spaced grooves function to remove the labels as they pass tangentially in sequence past the glue rollerA These labls otherwise tend to become attached to the glue roller by reason of the adhesive thereon. The fact that the spring-linger member is heated lends to its effectiveness since it is in contact frequently with adhesive. The spring member, if it were not heated, would otherwise be chilly and would lead to glue hardening in the nature ofa premature gelation. Pre` mature glue hardening or thickening interferes with proper flow of the adhesive and also to defective securement of the label on the package. This feature, of course, is most pertinent in the use of hot melt systems in the labeling apparatus.

The glue roller, as indicated by the arrow near the sleeve 478, is rotating in a counterclockwise direction. As a consequence, the glue on the land portion thereof is doctored off by the face of the blade S40 shown in FIG. l0. The glue, accumulating on the blade during continued rotation with the assistance of gravity, runs vertically down the blade where it joins spaced accumulations from the other land portions in vertical spaced relationship. Continued operation finds, again depending upon the lateral spacing of the blade member 540, a continuous stream ofthe glue falling vertically down the face thereof to return through opening 12a in bottom wall 412 to the glue or adhesive already present in the glue reservoir 490.

The glue roller, as shown in FlG. l0 and representing a preferred embodiment of the invention, is grooved in order to provide spaced, continuous deposits of adhesive or glue on a label or ticket moved tangentially past the glue roller. As described, the arrangement including the notched bar 504 and doctor blade S40 assists in the facile accomplishment of this result. lt is further envisioned that, in place of continuous grooves, the glue roller may feature discontinuous horizontal grooves or, in effect, a plurality of vertically and horizontally spaced recesses defining therebetween land regions which appear as spaced islands, ln such a glue roller construction, the bar 540 is replaced by a second roller having a surface contour complementary to that of the glue roller, excepting that the recesses therein would be slightly deeper so that the raised or teeth portion would abut against the recesses of the glue roller, removing thereby any glue therein whereby adhesive accumulation is confined to the raised portion of the glue roller which does not contact the recessed portion of the second roller. The two rollers, of course, rotate in opposite directions with the complementary raised portions and recesses of each intermeshing and with glue consequently being present only on the spaced, isolated, raised regions of the glue roller. The design of the rollers can be varied considerably to meet the particular labeling job. lt will be appreciated that a glue applicator, in accordance with the preceding, deposits spaced islands of glue or adhesive on the surface of the ticket or label; which ticket or label should be moved at a speed the same as the peripheral speed of the glue roller to avoid smudging and smearing of the spaced islands of adhesive. A doctor blade similar to the blade 540 can be used to regulate the thickness ofthe adhesive carried on the raised portion of the glue roller, The doctor blade must be positioned, however, in such case, just before the contact point of the ticket or label with the glue roller in order to achieve consistency in adhesive thickness on the raised portions of the glue roller, From the standpoint of simplicity of construction and operation, the glue roller construction, including the cooperating doctoring arrangement, illustrated in FIG. l0 is preferred over that featuring spaced recesses as described just previously.

Modifications may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:

l. A glue roller and reservoir apparatus adapted for continuous circulation of adhesive comprising;

a vessel having a bottom wall and upstanding marginal sidewalls,

a stationary rod member upstanding from said bottom wall,

a hollow sleeve telescopically disposed about said rod delining an annular passageway therebetween. the lower end ofsaid sleeve including means fiuidly connecting said vessel and said passageway, said sleeve having an aperture therein proximate the upper end of said rod, said sleeve being axially rotatable, said sleeve having a plurality of vertically spaced grooves formed to extend about its exterior surface, said grooves defining therebetween spaced "land" regions,

an upstanding bar mounted alongside said sleeve. said bar having an edge facing said roller which contains a plurality of notches defining teeth therebetween, and

means for urging fluid in said vessel into said annular portion of said glue to be "doctored off by said blade edge, thereby controlling the thickness of the glue lines on said glue roller.

glue are transferred from said land' 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim l, which includes at least means upstanding from said plate defining a reservoir for a plurality of labels, tickets or the like stacked on edge in mutually flush, registering relationship, said reservoir means including a gateway adapted to allow an end segment of a label proximate thereto to move out of flush abutment with the remainder of said labels.

slightly outside said reservoir area,

a glue applicator located in spaced relationship with said transfer roller on a line extending away from said gateway and means for delivering a pulse of air across said gateway and at the same time tangentially across the surface of tionary rod member upstanding from said bottom wall, l

a sta a hol ow sleeve telescopically disposed about said rod definmg an annular passageway therebetween. the lower end ofsaid sleeve including means fluidly connecting said vessel and said passageway, said sleeve having an aperture an upstanding bar mounted alongside said sleeve, said bar having an edge facing said roller which contains a plurality of notches defining teeth therebetween, and

means for urging fluid in said vessel into said annular passageway upwardly therethrough and through said aperture to drain by gravity down the exterior grooved surface of said sleeve returning to said vessel, said means sleeve whereby rotation of said sleeve in the appropriate direction coupled with the contoured configuration will 

1. A glue roller and reservoir apparatus adapted for continuous circulation of adhesive comprising: a vessel having a bottom wall and upstanding marginal sidewalls, a stationary rod member upstanding from said bottom wall, a hollow sleeve telescopically disposed about said rod defining an annular passageway therebetween, the lower end of said sleeve including means fluidly connecting said vessel and said passageway, said sleeve having an aperture therein proximate the upper end of said rod, said sleeve being axially rotatable, said sleeve having a plurality of vertically spaced grooves formed to extend about its exterior surface, said grooves defining therebetween spaced ''''land'''' regions, an upstanding bar mounted alongside said sleeve, said bar having an edge facing said roller which contains a plurality of notches defining teeth therebetween, and means for urging fluid in said vessel into said annular passageway upwardly therethrough and through said aperture to drain by gravity down the exterior grooved surface of said sleeve returning to said vessel, said means comprising a shaped or contoured configuration on one of said rod member and the inner surface of said hollow sleeve whereby rotation of said sleeve in the appropriate direction coupled with the contoured configuration will cause said adhesive to move upwardly within said annular passageway to the upper end of said rod and through said aperture to the exterior grooved surface of said hollow sleeve.
 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said notches are deeper than said grooves.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bar is pivotable about its vertical axis to move said teeth on said bar towards or away from said grooves.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, which includes spring means normally urging said bar to pivot as to urge said teeth into contact with the bottom of said grooves.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes a blade and means for selective and adjustable transverse securement in any given position where a vertical edge of said blade overlies a portion of the depth of said notchEs whereby rotation of said glue roller carrying glue on said glue roller will cause a portion of said glue to be ''''doctored off'''' by said blade edge, thereby controlling the thickness of the glue lines on said glue roller.
 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes means for moving an article in tangential relationship with the exterior surface of said glue roller whereby a plurality of deposits of glue are transferred from said ''''land'''' regions to said article.
 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, which includes at least one springlike finger member mounted with a terminal end riding in one of said grooves and being pointed in a direction opposite to the normal operational rotation of said roller.
 8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said finger member is mounted in a support having internal heat means.
 9. In a label handling apparatus comprising: a horizontal baseplate, means upstanding from said plate defining a reservoir for a plurality of labels, tickets or the like stacked on edge in mutually flush, registering relationship, said reservoir means including a gateway adapted to allow an end segment of a label proximate thereto to move out of flush abutment with the remainder of said labels, an upstanding transfer roller, adapted for rotation about its vertical axis, located proximate said gateway and spaced slightly outside said reservoir area, a glue applicator located in spaced relationship with said transfer roller on a line extending away from said gateway and means for delivering a pulse of air across said gateway and at the same time tangentially across the surface of said transfer roller, thereby urging the end segment of the closest label out of flush contact with the remainder of said labels and toward said transfer roller and thence by said transfer roller to said glue applicator; the improvement wherein said glue applicator comprises: a vessel having a bottom wall and upstanding marginal sidewalls, a stationary rod member upstanding from said bottom wall, a hollow sleeve telescopically disposed about said rod defining an annular passageway therebetween, the lower end of said sleeve including means fluidly connecting said vessel and said passageway, said sleeve having an aperture therein proximate the upper end of said rod, said sleeve being axially rotatable, said sleeve having a plurality of vertically spaced grooves formed to extend about its exterior surface, said grooves defining therebetween spaced ''''land'''' regions, an upstanding bar mounted alongside said sleeve, said bar having an edge facing said roller which contains a plurality of notches defining teeth therebetween, and means for urging fluid in said vessel into said annular passageway upwardly therethrough and through said aperture to drain by gravity down the exterior grooved surface of said sleeve returning to said vessel, said means comprising a shaped or contoured configuration on one of said rod member and the inner surface of said hollow sleeve whereby rotation of said sleeve in the appropriate direction coupled with the contoured configuration will cause said adhesive to move upwardly within said annular passageway to the upper end of said rod and through said aperture to the exterior grooved surface of said hollow sleeve. 